Harlequins give 18-year-old wonderkid first start in London Double Header - Ruck

Harlequins give 18-year-old wonderkid first start in London Double Header

Harlequins have named their squad to face London Irish in the London Double Header on Saturday (Kick-off 16:45, Live on BT Sport.

There are two debutants in the starting 15 – fly-half Marcus Smith and second row Ben Glynn – and potentially one more, among the replacements, in the shape of summer signing Demetri Catrakilis.

It’s set to be a record-equaling day for fullback Mike Brown, who will go level with Defence Coach Nick Easter for most professional senior appearances in a Harlequins shirt.



In the front row, British and Irish Lion Joe Marler starts alongside Rob Buchanan and Will Collier, who yesterday signed a new contract with the Club.

New signing Glynn forms the second row with club captain James Horwill as Chris Robshaw, Dave Ward and Jack Clifford are named in the back row.

Harlequins will blend youth with experience in the half-backs with Smith and scrum-half Danny Care, while Jamie Roberts and Joe Marchant are named in the midfield.

After scoring against Jersey Reds and Bristol Rugby in pre-season, Charlie Walker starts on the left wing with Marland Yarde taking residency on the right-hand side. Francis Saili misses out on action with an arm injury.


LISTS

Speaking ahead of the match, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: “Pre-season preparations have gone exceedingly well but we know the energy and enthusiasm that London Irish will bring into the Aviva Premiership.

“There is no better place than Twickenham Stadium to kick off a campaign and the group are extremely focused and excited about tomorrow.”

Harlequins team to play London Irish (Harlequins appearances)
15. Mike Brown (280)
14. Marland Yarde (74)
13. Joe Marchant (37)
12. Jamie Roberts (29)
11. Charlie Walker (67)
10. Marcus Smith (-)
9. Danny Care (224)
1. Joe Marler (152)
2. Rob Buchanan (117)
3. Will Collier (108)
4. Ben Glynn (-)
5. James Horwill (Captain, 40)
6. Chris Robshaw (239)
7. Dave Ward (117)
8. Jack Clifford (66)
16. Joe Gray (140)
17. Mark Lambert (209)
18. Kyle Sinckler (100)
19. George Merrick (59)
20. Mat Luamanu (38)
21. Charlie Mulchrone (16)
22. Demetri Catrakilis (-)
23. Winston Stanley (17)
Tickets for the London Double Header, which sees Saracens go up against Northampton Saints before London Irish play Harlequins, are available to purchase online or on the day of the match at the Twickenham Stadium Ticket Office.